Four Defensive X-Factors the Bills Need to Contain Joe Burrow and the Bengals
The Buffalo Bills defense looked dominant last week, but let’s be honest - shutting down the current version of the Steelers offense isn’t exactly a Herculean feat. Pittsburgh’s attack has been predictable, limited, and lacking rhythm for much of the season. And while the Bills deserve credit for taking care of business, they also benefited from facing a banged-up Aaron Rodgers-led squad the week before.
Now comes the real test: Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
This Bengals offense is a different beast entirely. Burrow has elite weapons, a quick release, and a knack for picking apart defenses that give him time.
The Bills won’t be able to rely on the same formula that worked against Pittsburgh. The Steelers managed just three third-down conversions and totaled only 10 first downs - numbers that are unlikely to repeat against a Bengals unit that thrives on sustained drives and explosive plays.
If the Bills want to keep pace in the AFC playoff race and notch a statement win in December, they’ll need key performances from several defenders - guys who can tilt the matchup and keep Burrow from getting comfortable. Here are four players who need to step up in a big way this Sunday.
DT Deone Walker
Deone Walker has quietly built a compelling case for Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration, but he didn’t make much noise against Pittsburgh - just one tackle and no splash plays. Still, his presence in the middle is a major piece of what the Bills want to do defensively.
Against the Bengals, Walker’s role becomes even more critical. He’ll be tasked with clogging running lanes against Chase Brown and collapsing the pocket from the interior to disrupt Burrow’s timing.
If Walker can generate pressure up the middle, it could be the difference between Burrow stepping into throws or being forced to move off his spot. And we all know - the more you make Burrow dance, the better your chances of slowing down this offense.
DE Greg Rousseau
The Bills handed Greg Rousseau a hefty $80 million extension this offseason, and now would be a great time for him to show why. With Joey Bosa dealing with a hamstring injury, Rousseau may need to shoulder even more of the pass-rushing load - especially off the edge.
Cincinnati’s passing game is built on timing and precision. If Rousseau can’t apply pressure and Burrow has a clean pocket, it’s going to be a long day for the secondary.
The Bills don’t need Rousseau to rack up sacks, but they do need him to be disruptive. Win off the edge, collapse the pocket, and force Burrow into hurried throws or off-platform passes.
That’s how you create turnover opportunities.
S Cole Bishop
Since the bye week, Cole Bishop has looked like a long-term answer on the back end of the Bills defense. His instincts have sharpened, and he’s become a reliable run defender when plays break past the first two levels.
This week, Bishop’s versatility will be put to the test. Against a Bengals offense that loves to stretch the field with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Bishop could be the safety valve over the top - the guy who helps bracket Chase and keeps explosive plays from happening. Expect to see him shadowing deep routes, reading Burrow’s eyes, and flying downhill when the Bengals test the perimeter in the run game.
If Bishop can continue his upward trajectory, the Bills will have a better shot at containing the Bengals’ vertical threats.
CB Christian Benford
Christian Benford is coming off his best game of the season - an interception and a fumble return touchdown that helped the Bills blow the game open against Pittsburgh. But now he faces a massive challenge: Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase is one of the most dangerous receivers in football, and he’s capable of flipping a game in a single play. Benford’s job?
Keep Chase in front of him, stay disciplined in coverage, and don’t bite on double moves. That’s a tall order, but if Benford can hold his own and force Burrow to look elsewhere, it’ll go a long way in limiting the Bengals’ offensive ceiling.
Of course, Benford will need help from the pass rush - no corner can cover forever - but his ability to compete at the line of scrimmage and contest throws downfield will be pivotal.
Bottom Line
The Bills defense has shown flashes of dominance, but this weekend is a different kind of test. Cincinnati brings speed, precision, and a quarterback who won’t be rattled easily. If Buffalo wants to stay in the playoff mix and prove they can hang with the AFC’s elite, it starts with these four defenders stepping up and setting the tone.
Burrow won’t make it easy. But if Walker can control the trenches, Rousseau can generate edge pressure, Bishop can erase deep threats, and Benford can battle with Chase, the Bills just might have the defensive recipe to pull off a crucial December win.